Cook like a star!

Passionate foodies and home cooks descended on the Lockyer Valley on Sunday to learn the tricks of the trade in a contemporary afternoon tea masterclass.

The annual Lockyer Valley Cooking School, delivered by Lockyer Valley Regional Council and led by some of The Star Entertainment Group’s top chefs, saw participants come from places far and wide such as Dalby, Warwick, Brisbane and locally, Lockyer Valley Mayor Cr Tanya Milligan said.

“Events like this open up so many wonderful opportunities for our young people and allow us, as a Council, to actively promote our world-class produce,” Mayor Milligan said.

“Yes, things are tough at the moment but we have some absolutely incredible producers who are out there continually feeding our nation and they deserve recognition for their efforts.” It was the third time participating for Gatton resident and mother-of-three Julie Jones, who was amazed at the quality of food that comes from the Lockyer Valley.

“This is a wonderful initiative for home cooks like me who want to learn new recipes and techniques using the best and freshest produce grown right here in our backyard,” Ms Jones said.

The Star Entertainment Group sponsored the event, with two of its top chefs leading the charge.

Treasury Brisbane Executive Sous Chef Trevor Winch and The Star Gold Coast Nineteen at The Star Executive Chef Kelvin Andrews used local ingredients in their specifically-created dishes, including cheese and yoghurt from Awassi Cheesery and persimmons from Blackboy Ridge.

Mr Winch showed the participants how to make a Grantham cheese, pumpkin and tomato rosti with an avocado and lime salsa.

“It’s been a great opportunity being invited by Council to take part in this initiative and share my passion, skills and knowledge with the broader community,” Mr Winch said.​